LAKERS NOTEBOOK: Bynum says Lakers are in an adjustment period

PHILADELPHIA — Andrew Bynum wondered why the Lakers shipped him to the Philadelphia 76 ers in a four-team, 12-player trade that resulted in the arrival of Dwight Howard.

"They traded No. 1 for No. 2," Bynum said, a clear suggestion he believes he's better than Howard. "Dwight is a great player, but he's going to have to get accustomed playing with Kobe (Bryant) and not touching the ball every single play."

Bynum drew from personal experience.

"He draws so much attention that it's hard for guys to double-team and key on you," he said before the Lakers' 111-98 win Sunday over the Sixers.

"I was able to get the ball more and do more things with the ball, so I could definitely see how it could stunt growth."

Bryant agreed.

"When you're playing with me, you obviously have to sacrifice something," he said. "Same thing with me and Shaq. We offset each other."

It doesn't seem as if Bynum has kept ties with the Lakers. He said he hasn't talked to any former teammate except for Pau Gasol.

Bryant said he talked with Bynum later, but Bynum sounded unsure as to whether he'd pop in the Lakers' locker room.

But Bynum still kept tabs on the Lakers enough to critique their play.

"They have to make a commitment to defense," Bynum said. "They're going to have to post the ball up. They need a system to do that. Obviously, the talent is there to win a championship from a starters' point of view.

"They're struggling off the bench. That could hurt."

Bynum's been hurt too, nursing bone bruises in both knees that have prevented him from playing in a game this season.

First came the injury to his right knee after having a procedure in Germany during the offseason. Then, Bynum went bowling and hurt his left knee.

He plans to see a doctor and undergo an MRI on Thursday in hopes that could help return to the court soon, considering he's reported no pain in his right knee.

Even with his injuries, Bynum sounded in a good mood.

He boasted about the long hair he's grown out. He noted how the "pain has gone down" in both of his knees. Bynum sounded giddy about how the Sixers plan to feature him as the team's franchise player once he's healthy.

Bynum also sounded reflective on his seven seasons with the Lakers, with whom he won two NBA championships. Last season, Bynum posted career highs in points (18.7), rebounds (11.8) and playing time (32 minutes), enough to make his first All-Star appearance.

"It was a pretty good time and I got better every year," Bynum said. "We obviously won (championships). That was a lot of fun."

A fond farewell?

As Bryant exited the game with 1:51 remaining, Sixers fans mostly gave him a standing ovation.

He held a hand up and basked in the 30 th appearance in his hometown, namely because he reiterated he may retire once his contract expires following the 2013-14 season.

"Unless we see each other in the Finals, next year could be my last time," Bryant said regarding playing in his hometown.

Bryant spent this weekend in Philadelphia, talking with students at Lower Merion. But he resisted his customary habit of eating a Philly cheesesteak, one of several nuances he's taking to stay in shape to ensure a league-leading 29.3 points on 47.4 percent shooting in 38.1 minutes per game.

"My competitive spirit right now comes from I feel like my body is slowing down," Bryant said. "Younger guys are trying to pass me up. It keeps me on edge."